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Business Standard
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Prada admits Kolhapuri chappals inspired footwear collection after backlash
Days after featuring footwear inspired by Kolhapuri chappals in its Milan show, luxury brand Prada has acknowledged its source of inspiration. The brand has admitted that footwear showcased in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear line was inspired by India's traditional Kolhapuri chappals. 'Kolhapuri chappals inspiration for footwear featured in our Milan show,' the Italian luxury label said, according to a report by the Press Trust of India. The admission comes amid growing backlash in India, where both officials and artisans accused Prada of cultural appropriation and overlooking the heritage behind the handmade leather sandals. The footwear, presented at Milan Fashion Week, closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals — traditional open-toe leather sandals made for generations by artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Prada responds to online backlash In a letter addressed to Lalit Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group's Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, wrote: 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship.' Earlier this week, BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik led a delegation of Kolhapuri chappal artisans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The delegation submitted a letter calling for steps to protect the product's Geographical Indication (GI) rights and ensure the cultural significance of the footwear is upheld. 'Designs not finalised for production' In his reply, the brand also clarified that the designs are still under development: 'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialised.' The brand added: 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities.' Meanwhile, Bertelli also expressed interest in further talks: 'We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow-up with the relevant Prada teams.' Prada commits to heritage recognition Bertelli closed his letter by stating: 'Prada strives to pay homage and recognize the value of such specialized craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage.' He reaffirmed the brand's willingness to engage further: 'We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow-up with the relevant Prada teams.' Previously, on June 23, MACCIA had written to Prada after the Milan show, criticising the brand for showcasing sandals labelled only as 'leather sandals' with no reference to their Indian origins. It stated: 'It has come to public attention that the collection includes footwear designs that bear a close resemblance to Kolhapuri Chappals (Footwear), a traditional handcrafted leather sandal that has been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019.' Symbol of cultural identity In his letter, Lalit Gandhi highlighted the cultural and economic significance of Kolhapuri chappals: 'Kolhapuri Chappals represent centuries-old craftsmanship rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, India. These products are not only symbolic of regional identity, but they also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and surrounding districts.' Gandhi also urged Prada to acknowledge its source of inspiration and explore ways to support the artisans: 'While we appreciate global fashion houses drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, we are concerned that this particular design appears to have been commercialised without due acknowledgment, credit, or collaboration with the artisan communities who have preserved this heritage through generations.' He added: 'We kindly urge Prada to acknowledge the inspiration behind the design publicly, explore possibilities for collaboration or fair compensation that could benefit the artisan communities involved and consider supporting ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights.'
Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Sandal scandal: Prada credits new design's Indian legacy amid furore
Luxury fashion powerhouse Prada has acknowledged the ancient Indian roots of its new sandal design. PHOTO: AFP NEW DEHLI/MILAN - Luxury fashion powerhouse Prada has acknowledged the ancient Indian roots of its new sandal design after the debut of the open-toe footwear sparked a furore among Indian artisans and politicians thousands of miles from the catwalk in Italy. Images from Prada's fashion show in Milan last weekend showed models wearing leather sandals with a braided design that resembled handmade Kolhapuri slippers with designs dating back to the 12th century. A wave of criticism in the media and from lawmakers followed over the Italian brand's lack of public acknowledgement of the Indian sandal design, which is named after a city in the western state of Maharashtra. Mr Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Prada's owners, responded to the sandal scandal in a letter to a trade group on June 27 recognising their Indian heritage. 'We acknowledge that the sandals... are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage,' Mr Bertelli, Prada's head of corporate social responsibility, wrote in the letter to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, seen by Reuters. The sandals are at an early stage of design and it is not certain they will be commercialised, but Prada is open to a 'dialogue for meaningful exchange with local Indian artisans' and will arrange follow-up meetings, he wrote. A Prada spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging the sandal's inspiration from India, adding the company has 'always celebrated craftsmanship, heritage and design traditions'. Prada products are beyond the reach of most Indians. Its men's leather sandals retail for US$844 (S$1,077) and up, while the Kolhapuri slippers, sold in Indian shops and street markets, start at about US$12. India's luxury market is small but growing fast, with rising numbers of rich people buying Louis Vuitton bags, Lamborghini cars, luxury homes and watches. Conversely, Indian culture and crafts are increasingly finding their way into global brand designs. High-end jeweller Bulgari offers a US$16,000 Mangalsutra necklace inspired by a chain traditionally worn by married women. Bertelli's homage to Indian design was sent in a response to a complaint from the head of the trade group that represents 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans, as the online uproar gathered momentum. 'From the dusty lanes of Kolhapur to the glitzy runways of Milan... will the world finally give credit where it's due?' India's DNA News posted on X. Mr Sambhaji Chhatrapati from the Kolhapur Royal family told Reuters by phone he was upset that craftsmen had not been acknowledged for the 'history and heritage of 150 years'. Kolhapur-based businessman Dileep More, however, said images of the Prada sandal were bringing cheer to some artisans as they show their traditional product going global. 'They are happy that someone is recognising their work,' he said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Mint
9 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Prada admits being inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, wants to work with local Indian artisans
After facing backlash for showing sandals like Kolhapuri chappals, Italian brand Prada has admitted it was inspired by Indian handmade footwear. Lalit Gandhi, the president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, earlier raised concern about the issue. Prada's Lorenzo Bertelli, in a letter to Maharashtra's trade body, expressed respect for the cultural value of such craftsmanship. The letter came after protests over the sandals shown in Prada's 2026 Spring-Summer men's fashion show. 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage,' PTI quoted Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, as stating in a letter to Gandhi. 'We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,' Bertelli added. 'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialised,' Bertelli wrote. According to Bertelli, Prada is committed to responsible design and respecting traditional Indian crafts. The brand wishes to engage with local Indian artisans and ensure they get proper credit for their work, he said. Many in India were left upset after Prada had showcased sandals in its Spring-Summer 2026 men's collection that looked similar to Kolhapuri chappals. The brand called them 'leather sandals' in show notes without mentioning their Indian roots. Gandhi wrote to Prada and pointed out that Kolhapuri chappals have had a GI tag since 2019. He referred to handmade sandals, holding deep cultural value in Maharashtra and supporting thousands of artisans. Gandhi appreciated cultural exchange in fashion but criticised Prada for not crediting the original makers or working with local artisans. He urged Prada to publicly acknowledge the inspiration, consider fair partnerships and support ethical fashion.
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Prada finally acknowledges Kolhapuri chappals inspiration for footwear in fashion show
After a controversy triggered by the use of Kolhapuri chappals in a collection, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has acknowledged the connection, saying the design is 'inspired' by the Indian handcrafted footwear. The Italian house, however, said that sandals featured in the men's 2026 fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised. 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship,' a representative from Prada said in a reply to Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA). MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi said the chamber wrote to the fashion house after seeing the visuals, in the interest of the local artisans and the industry. 'The Kolhapuri chappal is very distinct and we want our footwear to go to newer markets. But it has to get the rightful recognition,' Mr. Gandhi told PTI on Saturday (June 28, 2025). In the letter to Prada, MACCIA also sought exploration collaborations and fair compensation to the artisans and also an adherence to ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights. Prada is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1913 in Milan by Mario Prada. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' Prada's group head for corporate social responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said in his reply. PTI has a copy of the correspondence. Prada welcomes the opportunity of further discussions, and the relevant teams will engage in the matter, Mr. Bertelli said. MACCIA also reminded Prada about the traditional handcrafted leather sandal being awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019. Mr. Bertelli's letter was in response to the one by Mr. Gandhi after outrage over Prada's footwear featured as part of its Spring-Summer 2026 collection this week. In its show notes, Prada had described the footwear as 'leather sandals', with no reference to an Indian connection, evoking outrage from many in India's fashion community as well as traditional makers of Kolhapuri chappals in western Maharashtra. 'Kolhapuri Chappals represent centuries-old craftsmanship rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, India. These products are not only symbolic of regional identity, but they also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and surrounding districts,' Mr. Gandhi's letter said. 'While we appreciate global fashion houses drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, we are concerned that this particular design appears to have been commercialised without due acknowledgement, credit, or collaboration with the artisan communities who have preserved this heritage through generations. 'We kindly urge Prada to acknowledge the inspiration behind the design publicly, explore possibilities for collaboration or fair compensation that could benefit the artisan communities involved and consider supporting ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights,' Mr. Gandhi wrote. 'Such a gesture would not only uphold ethical standards in global fashion, but also foster a meaningful exchange between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design. We trust that a brand of Prada's stature and influence will take this concern in the right spirit and initiate a thoughtful response,'Mr. Gandhi's letter to Prada said. In his response, Bertelli wrote, 'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design. development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialized. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' he said. 'Prada strives to pay homage and recognize the value of such specialized craftspeople that represent an unrivalled standard of excellence and heritage. We would welcome the opportunity for further discussion and will set a follow up with the relevant Prada teams,' Bertelli's letter to Gandi said. Artisans from Maharashtra have cried foul after footwear similar to the famous Kolhapuri chappals featured in Prada's show. They alleged violation of geographical identification (GI) rights. BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik on Thursday led a delegation of artisans who make this traditional footwear to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They presented a letter urging him to look into the violation and preserve the product, which is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage.
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Prada agrees to buy Versace
Prada has agreed to buy Versace from Capri Holdings for $1.375 billion, including debt. The deal brings together two of Italy's top fashion names. Prada is expanding, having stayed strong despite a slowdown in luxury spending. Versace, in contrast, has posted losses in recent quarters. The move boosts Italy's presence in a luxury market often dominated by French groups like LVMH, owner of Louis Vuitton. The deal comes shortly after Donatella Versace announced on March 13 that she was stepping down as chief creative officer of the brand her brother Gianni founded. 'We aim to continue Versace's legacy celebrating and re-interpreting its bold and timeless aesthetic. 'At the same time, we will provide it with a strong platform, reinforced by years of ongoing investments and rooted in longstanding relationships,' Prada Chairman, Patrizio Bertelli said. Bertelli and designer Miuccia Prada, his wife, are the main shareholders. Donatella Versace welcomed the deal, saying, 'Gianni and I have always had a huge admiration for Miuccia, Patrizio and their family. 'I am honoured to have the brand in the hands of such a trusted Italian family business and I am ready to support this new era for the brand in any way that I can.' Prada's purchase price is lower than the $2.15 billion that Michael Kors (now Capri Holdings) paid in 2018. Media reports had expected a value of around $1.7 billion before recent market instability. 'This transaction reflects our commitment to increase shareholder value, strengthen our balance sheet and power the future growth of Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo,' Capri CEO, John Idol said. Capri shares dropped 3% after the announcement and are down 24% this year. Versace's bold, baroque fashion contrasts with Prada's minimalist style. Prada CEO Andrea Guerra said, 'Versace has huge potential. The journey will be long and will require disciplined execution and patience.' To finance the acquisition, Prada has taken on €1.5 billion in new debt. This marks Prada's biggest deal since its late 1990s acquisitions of Helmut Lang and Jil Sander, which Bertelli once called 'strategic mistakes.' Founded in 1913 as a leather goods store, Prada has grown under Miuccia and Bertelli, also owning Miu Miu and Church's. Versace, launched by Gianni in 1978 and known for its Medusa head logo, has been led creatively by Donatella since her brother's death in 1997.(CNN) Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
